Industry flock back to BIM-sponsored Irish Skipper Expo

For its third year running in Co. Limerick, BIM proudly returned as main sponsor to The Irish Skipper Expo, Ireland’s only dedicated trade show for the seafood industry. BIM staff working at this year’s event, held on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 March at UL Sport Facilities, commented on the steady flow of visitors on both days.

This year’s Expo opened with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D formally launching Ireland’s National Seafood Development Programme under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2012- 2027. The Minister announced the new development programme in the presence of the EMFAF Monitoring Committee and BIM CEO, Caroline Bocquel.

Inside the venue industry were able to learn about relevant BIM business supports and funding opportunities with a team of BIM regional officers and other staff at the BIM main stand. While outside the venue,  instructors from BIM’s National Fisheries College of Ireland and Coastal Training Unit discussed training and skills development programmes with visitors.

The BIM Aquaculture Remote Classroom or ARC as it’s better known made a return visit to this year’s event, and welcomed a group of transition year students from local secondary school, St. Munchin’s.

BIM’s sponsorship of the Irish Skipper Expo is supported by EMFAF.